What If A Black Hole Dwelt Inside The Sun? | Hawking Stars
Summary
This episode explores the theoretical possibility that primordial black holes could be hidden inside stars, a concept first suggested by Stephen Hawking. The discussion centers on two new papers simulating how such "Hawking stars" would evolve, potentially mimicking giant stars while powered by black hole accretion rather than fusion. The hosts explain how stellar oscillations, or asteroseismology, could be used to detect these anomalies in the Milky Way. Ultimately, the episode frames this search as a method to test whether primordial black holes constitute dark matter.
Topics discussed
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Hawking's 1971 paper: Black holes in the Sun
The solar neutrino problem and fusion models
Black holes as energy engines and quasars
Neutrino oscillations solve the solar problem
Primordial black holes as dark matter candidates
Gravitational waves and black hole mergers
New simulations of 'Hawking Stars'
Star formation with a central black hole
Black hole growth limits and accretion rates
Stellar evolution and the giant phase transition
Hawking star size, brightness, and lifespan
Constraints on a black hole inside our Sun
Astroseismology: Detecting stellar vibrations
Searching for Hawking stars in the galaxy
Implications for dark matter and final thoughts
Closing remarks and holiday promotion
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